Flying with a toddler close to 2 ?

sweetie1528

did you bring any proof of age for the child?  did they ask for proof?  how old was your child at the time?  can I bring a copy of the birth certificate, or does it have to be an original?

xbrooklyngrl

where the hell are you going?

mags2041

I've flown with either a birth certificate or immunization record.  I've flown regularly with DS since he was 10wks old.  The airline always asked for his "ID" (Southwest) but TSA never has.

buler23

I am flying with my DS in three weeks - he will be 22 months.  I am bringing his passport (we went to mexico last year so he has one) because he is very tall and does not look under two.  In fact, most people think he is during three in a couple of months.  I don't want to face any problems so I would rather be safe then sorry.  i am not sure if you can bring a copy of the birth certificate, I think it has to be the original with the stamp, but don't quote me on that.

 Did you get your child a seat?  What are you planning to bring with you?  Any ideas to share?

sweetie1528

if we go before he is 2, we are not buying him a seat.  I hate that 2 is the cut off.  G is small and will sit on my lap regardless.  that's just how he is.  I called the air line and there is not that much that you can bring on board.  our flight is only 2 hours.  but you know how planes are.  I am hoping that it will not be over 4 hours.

I am going to bring snaks and a thermos with milk.

butterbeansmama

we have flown northwest and american with DS. Neither of them asked for a form of ID for him, but I brought his passport just in case. I think a copy of the bc should be fine. We brought a portable dvd player, coloring books, magna doodle, snacks, two cars and a sippy of milk/juice. He watched the dvd for a short while and then fell asleep on me the rest of the way. We had an empty seat beside us, so I just plopped him there. The other times we have flown, he has been younger and sat/laid on my lap.

 

co18co

It's hit or miss on whether they'll ask for "id" for DS, but I'd just have a passport or birth certificate with you.  We always travel with B's passport, even though we've been buying him a seat since 9 months, just because, but I've had friends turned away at the counter because they didn't have proof of a lap-child's age.  It cost them a small fortune to buy their DD a ticket the day of the flight, in order to not miss their trip!

sweetie1528

thank you ladies.  I should just get him a passport since I need to renew mine anyway.  I just hate to take an original birth certificate with us.  I am crazy like that.

firefightersgal

We flew just days before Nora turned 2.  I brought her original birth certificate, but was not asked for proof of her age.  (They did ask how old she was, though).

We flew Airtran out of KC and Orlando, if it makes a difference.

Also, I was really surprised at the size of carry-ons people had.  We had one carry-on for a 3-ish hour flight (no delays or issues, thank goodness) and it was fine.  Nora was content most of the time to either watch out the window or watch other people.

luvoutdoors

You should ALWAYS bring a copy of your Childs Birth certificate with you when flying. TSA actually requires it. Most airlines will let you fly without it but if TSA is there inspecting they will deny your child. Plus you will need it as proof your child is not yet 2.

Uwish

I would either take the original birth certificate or request an official copy of it from Vital Records so that you can have a certified copy to take or use in situations like this and leave the original at home.  I wouldn't just photocopy it though.  I also wouldn't bother getting a passport unless you have plans for a trip out of the country coming up that you know of.  Even though you probably won't be asked for proof of his age, I would take the birth certificate to be on the safe side.